Initiative Spotlight: q.rated
Tell us who you are!
My name is Susan Qijing Huang and I’m the founder of q.rated, a company whose mission is to aid the economic empowerment of Asian-American businesses. A portion of every q.rated sale goes to aiding Asian-American owned small businesses.
I was born in China and moved to the US when I was 6 years old. As someone who has a close connection with Chinese culture and identity, I believe that Chinatown plays an important role in connecting Asian-Americans with their roots.
How and why did q.rated get started?
When shelter-in-place started in NYC, I found that I had more free time when I didn’t have to commute to my full-time finance job. I also saw the negatives effects covid-19 was having on the AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) community, which was exacerbated by the rise of xenophobia. I’ve always had entrepreneurial dreams and felt that I could use my newfound time to marry my love of fashion with my desire for activism.
In April, I started experimenting with tie dying socks for the first time. While researching and planning, I identified Welcome to Chinatown as an organization that aligned with my goals of supporting Asian-American small businesses. Since launching q.rated in July, I’ve been donating a portion of all sales to Welcome to Chinatown.
I created this brand to bolster the AAPI community. Likewise, q.rated is built on the celebration of the individual. I want to encourage people to express who they are and to be proud of their roots, in spite of discrimination.
What are the inspirations for your collections?
Tie dye reminds me of when I was in elementary school, where we’d tie dye during field trips. I wanted to take that nostalgia and create pieces that resonated with memories that many people share.
For instance, I have a logo tee that is dip dyed in “Porcelain Blue,” a palette inspired by the Chinese porcelain (青花 "blue flowers") mugs that my mom always used. Another tee is dyed in yellow and green, which references the “holy Chinese jewelry combo” of gold and jade. I love having these inside jokes with those who know while also introducing these colloquialisms to others.
What do you love about Chinatown?
Chinatown reminds me of home. Most of my family is in China and I love being in a place where I can hear my native language spoken on the street. I want Chinatown to keep flourishing. It’s vital for that culture to stay alive, for myself as well as for the rest of the city.
Some of my favorite spots in Chinatown:
How can people support you and your craft?
Go to q.rated and get yourself a tee to support Chinatown! A portion of every sale goes to Chinatown small businesses. You can also follow me on Instagram @qratedbyq, tag me in your new tee + sock combo post, and spread the good word.
Look out for new and exciting merch on the website and Instagram!
Dropping today, a limited run of the first collab with WTC: q.rated x Pearl River Mart WtC T-shirt!
